AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2415, 13 December 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph.] [Per Eingarooma at the Bluff.] VICTORIA. Melbourne, Dec. 7. Mr Berry intimated in the Assembly on Thursday the intention of the Government to abandon the proposed reductions in the Civil Service salaries, in deference to the motion carried by Mr O’Loughlin. He stated, also, that they would follow the precedent of 1869 with regard to gratuities to dismissed servants —viz., six weeks pay. In the Assembly on the same day Mr Levien moved the omission of Farrell’s salary from the estimates. After a warm discussion, a compromise was effected, and Farrell is to be removed to some other position if bis presence in the library is a source of unpleasantness to members. It is understood that this will be done, Mr Service having complained of Farrell’s conduct. The Intercolonial Conference on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution for the extirpation of phylloxera. The cost, estimated at A‘20,000, is to be borne in equal proportions by the colonies of New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. Mr Parkes’ motion in favor of a Federal Council was also adopted, and the Conference requested him to draft a Bill on the subject for the consideration of the Conference to be held at Sydney. A motion in favor of joint legislation re the Chinese was also passed. Mr Parkes submitted a paper on the border duties question, which shews he is not in accord with the Victorian delegates on the subject, which will be reconsidered at Sydney. Air Parkes moved an adjournment to Sydney on Jan. 13, Mr Berry to invite the delegates from all the other colonies. The last meeting of the Intercolonial Conference was held on Friday, when an agreement was signed between Victoria and South Australia for free trade over the border, excepting opium and jewellery. An agreement between New South Wales and South Australia was also signed. On the motion of Mr Parkes the subject of a common tariff was named for discussion. The Conference then adjourned till January 13, in Sydney. The delegates and Members of Parliament, numbering fifty, were entertained at Parliament House on Friday. Mr Berry has since sent telegrams to the Western Australian and New Zealand Governments announcing that he has posted formal letters of invitation to the Conference on intercolonial questions to be held at Sydney. NEW SOUTH WALES. The schooner Leslie which arrived to-day reports that a vessel has been wrecked at Bold Point, Bougainville Island, and some of the crew were poisoned by the natives. The captain became ill and died and was eaten. It is stated also that some friendly natives have organised an extensive expedition against the Bougainville nvtives for the purpose of avenging the death of Captain Ferguson of the Emerald, and are only awaiting instructions from Commodore Wilson to start for the Solomon Islands. The Emerald’s destination is the Floridas, Bougainville and Treasury Islands. She takes presents for the friendly chiefs. The captain sails with secret orders, but it is stated that instructions have been received from England for the adoption of severe measures with the Kanakas. SOUTH AUSTRALIA, The Sorata arrived at Beach Fort at five o’clock on Saturday morning, making a good deal of water, and apparently sinking. The captain accordingly selected a good place in Eivoli Bay, and took shelter in four fathoms of water. An examination proved that the working of the engines had widened the leak and fouled the pumps. Divers are now bnsy repairing the hull, and cleansing the pumps, aud they expect to resume the voyage to-day.